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Illegal Dumping a Growing Trend in Central Texas


It’s a growing trend in Central Texas -- illegal dumping. Abandoned piles of household garbage, bags of yard waste, discarded appliances, old barrels, used tires and demolition debris can threaten the health of humans, wildlife and the environment.

"It’s always a negative impact when someone goes out of their way to be irresponsible,” said Ken May with Capital Area Council of Governments.

Thursday the regional environmental task force held a one day workshop on illegal dumping, to help educate the public on what to look for and the risks involved.

The group was formed to address the problems associated with illegal dumping and other environmental crimes.

"It takes very little oil or discarded waste to contaminate ground water, said May.

The problem is something the Texas regional environmental task force is fighting against.

In addition to introducing the 1-877-NO-DUMPS illegal dumping hotline, the task force has erected 500-plus illegal dumping signs at targeted spots across central Texas.

May says the task force has already addressed more than 425 illegal dumping hotline reports and continues to support the cities and counties of the region in identification, prosecution and cleanup of illegal dump sites.

"The expense gets tremendous very quickly when a business, an individual, a company is being irresponsible with the environment,” said May.

Money that wouldn't have to be wasted on other peoples waste.

If you see any illegal dumping you are asked to call and report it to the hotline.

By Adam Racusin